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Hurricanes are unpredictable and varied in nature, as noted by Bill Read, Director of the National Hurricane Center. Historical data reveals significant storms like the 1932 Category 4 storm and Hurricane Alicia, both forming and impacting areas within 72 hours. Notable events include severe flooding during Hurricane Ike in Houston, leading to substantial home and car damage. As coastal living continues, understanding wind impacts, building codes, and flood insurance becomes essential. Each hurricane presents unique challenges, reinforcing the need for awareness and preparedness.
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Hurricanes…no two are the same… Bill Read Director National Hurricane Center
Category 1 Within 75 miles
Category 2 Within 75 miles
Category 3 Within 75 miles
Category 4 Within 75 miles
Remember the Gulf Developers • 1932 – TS 180 miles south of GLS – Cat 4 at landfall less than 36h • 1943 , Alicia – both formed south of NOLA landfall less than 72h • Audrey June 1957 – Cat 4 less then 72h after forming • Anita (5), Celia (4), Camille (5) and Opal (4) all less then 96h
Category 2 MOM Galveston Basin Mostly barrier island and inland marsh inundation
While Surge is our most recent focus, let’s not forget wind Andrew Alicia
Potential wind threat from a Cat 4 at landfall 55-75 mph 75-90 mph 90 – 110 mph 110 – 125 mph >125 mph
Wind impacts Gusts range 130-150 mph (1.5 x sustained) Rita forecast 150 mph 1 min average winds at landfall.
The nightmare urban flood Houston - June 8-9, 2001 • Onset during Friday evening • About 2,000,000 folks experienced 10-15” rainfall in 6-12 hours • About 100,000 cars, 50,000 homes flooded • Loss of life (21) miraculously low considering scale of flooding
(Pre Katrina) Over 800 of the 1000 deaths in 2008 were due to rainwater flooding
What’s the real hazard? • We insist on living near the coast • Building codes less than even modest hurricane winds (consider: Ike top 3 loss list) • Land use tied to the 100 year event - Flood Insurance not “required” if outside 100 year. • People begin to forget within 5 years (IEM risk management)
